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Manchester City’s experienced defender John Stones has spoken for the first time after a long injury spell. The Englishman opened up about the uncertainty and mental strain he experienced, emphasising that he is ready to return to the field.
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John Stones only managed to appear in 20 official matches for Manchester City during the 2024/25 season due to recurring injuries that prevented him from maintaining consistency. When called upon, his reassuring presence in defence stood out, and he also contributed to the attack with 3 goals and 2 assists.
These contributions once again proved that Stones remains a top-level player when physically fit. However, repeated injuries forced him to watch from the sidelines during the most crucial stages of the season.
After suffering a hamstring injury against Real Madrid in February, Stones missed the final three months of the season. He described his ordeal in the following words:
“When you're injured, you disconnect from everything. But this time was different. Instead of waiting to heal, I was battling things I didn’t even understand. Daily physical tests, daily hope, daily uncertainty… There were days when I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Despite extensive tests carried out by City’s medical staff, some of Stones’ injuries could not be medically explained. According to the player, this made the process even more difficult:
“It’s impossible not to ask, ‘Why me?’ They came up with such rare diagnoses that none of the answers put my mind at ease. I was supposed to be on the pitch. Watching from the sidelines while the team struggled was tough.”
Manager Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated that Stones elevates the team whenever he is physically fit. “We just want him to be healthy. He makes the difference when fit,” said Guardiola, who greatly values Stones’ tactical versatility.
It should be remembered that Stones was one of Guardiola’s first signings at Manchester City, arriving from Everton for €55.6 million ahead of the 2016–2017 season. Over time, he became one of the manager’s most trusted players in building play from the back. No longer just a centre-back, he came to be seen as a key figure in transitioning the game into midfield.
The 31-year-old defender has entered the final year of his contract. However, Stones clearly dismisses any speculation about a potential departure:
“I’m here. I’ve never thought about leaving. Manchester City is my home and I still believe I can contribute to this team. I hope this statement puts an end to the rumours.”
Stones did not feature in the first two matches of the Club World Cup group stage. He remained on the bench against Moroccan side Wydad AC and again versus Al Ain. With City securing qualification from the group with back-to-back wins, the coaching staff now have more flexibility in rotating the squad.
There’s still a chance he could feature in the third and final group match against Juventus. If he plays, it would mark not only his return to the pitch, but also an important opportunity to show the coaching staff that he is physically ready.
As City pursue their goal in the tournament, Stones will face a personal challenge: to be at the centre again, back on the pitch, and once more a part of the game.